Available for Android mobile devices, PsiPhon is basically an open-code browser application that helps users access materials that would otherwise be banned in their respective nations, thus allowing greater freedoms for people using the Internet.

What PsiPhon Is and What it Does

Let's say that you live in a nation that is very oppressive in terms of “adult” content, so when you go to check on a YouTube video you really want to see, the site tells you that it's been banned in your country for whatever reasons. It could be a song, a movie, or even a cat video that the ruling class decided you shouldn't be watching. For years now, people have been setting proxy addresses to get around these things, but there's a much easier way to do it if you're an Android user. You can simply download and install the PsiPhon app, and you will be able to instantly access materials that your territory has previously banned. This works by basically tricking the host site into believing your Internet provider address is coming from somewhere else other than your nation, so it doesn't ping against any firewall with the host site. This will allow you to watch what you want, to post what you want, and to have the freedom you should have when browsing the Internet.

The best part about this app is that you don't have to worry about manually setting these proxies. Although people skilled enough can do this easily, it's actually a tough task for the uninitiated. This app will automatically set you up through proxies, so that all you have to do is browse. If and when you run into blocked content, the proxies will automatically connect you to a host nation that isn't banned by the host site. It really is that simple.

Other permissions

GET_TASKS: This constant was deprecated in API level 21. No longer enforced.

INTERNET: Allows applications to open network sockets.

RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED: Allows an application to receive the ACTION_BOOT_COMPLETED that is broadcast after the system finishes booting. If you don't request this permission, you will not receive the broadcast at that time. Though holding this permission does not have any security implications, it can have a negative impact on the user experience by increasing the amount of time it takes the system to start and allowing applications to have themselves running without the user being aware of them. As such, you must explicitly declare your use of this facility to make that visible to the user.

VIBRATE: Allows access to the vibrator.

WAKE_LOCK: Allows using PowerManager WakeLocks to keep processor from sleeping or screen from dimming.